Dressed for Gratitude: Creating a Culture of Thanks

Opening

My name is Peter Voorhees Pastor at City Chapel of Bremerton Married to my wife Crystal for 21 years We have three daughters (17, 15, and 12) Before I was born, my parents attended KBC. Pastor Harold Judkins was leading the church at the time as Mom tells the story. I’ve been connected to KBC for a long time, so it’s an honor to be here and share in the ministry of the Word with you this morning.

Shortly after being born in Bremerton, my dad being working in the civil service, we would move to Virginia. There I would grow up in the Lutheran church. We moved to New Mexico for a short time and we would return to Kitsap for my HS years. It was then that God gripped my heart at what was then Calvary Chapel of Silverdale. I would commit my life to Jesus in that time, go to Olympic College, graduate, go to Bible College and it would take me to Austria, where I lived for four years.

I fell in love with Europe and learned so much about their culture, their lives, and the work of God in Western Europe. One of the things we struggled with as missionaries in Europe as a non-denominational church was the importing of American Christianity into a European culture. It didn’t go well. I learned a lot what not to do. I like to think of my time there having built beautiful long lasting relationships, but as it relates to gospel ministry- failing forward.

In that time I would read about a missionary that transformed missions in the world by the name of Hudson Taylor. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was a British Protestant missionary who founded the China Inland Mission and spent over 50 years bringing Christianity to China. Known for his cultural sensitivity, he controversially adopted Chinese dress and customs to better connect with the local people - a radical approach for Victorian-era missionaries. His innovative methods and dedication led to the establishment of hundreds of mission stations and the conversion of thousands of Chinese Christians, making him one of the most influential missionaries in China's history.

Just as Hudson Taylor laid aside his British sensibilities to reach the Chinese people for Christ - putting on their customs and culture - we see an even greater example of this holy condescension in Jesus Christ Himself. The infinite, eternal God chose to put on flesh and dwell among His creation. The Creator became like the created, not simply in appearance, but in full humanity while remaining fully God. This divine condescension reached such depths that Jesus could tell Philip, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father."

This pattern of "putting on" continues in Paul's letter to the Colossians. The church is called to put on an outfit that specific for God’s chosen ones, those who are holy and beloved. Let’s look at this particular fit.

Our New Fit

It’s a special fit. It’s for:

God’s chosen ones: Those who are born-again. Those who are to bear His name. Those who hold the responsibility of stewarding the gospel of grace.

Holy: This means to be set apart. Not just set apart, but set apart for a purpose. If something is holy, it is unique/special (not common) that is set apart to use for a specific purpose.

Beloved: this word is ἀγαπάω, I don’t pull this out to try to impress you, but what I think is worth pointing out that this word that Paul uses is in the Perfect tense. The perfect tense is one that is used when the verb is completed in the present tense but it is on going in the future. What that means is that what he’s communicating to them (and I believe to us) is that they are cherished, loved, in that moment, but God continues to love them… it doesn’t end. God’s love for you can not be quenched.

So we now know who it is for, what is this wardrobe…we are to put on:

Compassionate hearts: “from the bowels of compassion… the parts of the human body were often in the ancient world (and in ours) associated with psychological aspects of the person. “Bowels” was very often associated with the seat of the emotions and especially love. So it is that sort of love/compassion that comes from the deepest part of us… that’s the first thing we’re to put on.

Kindness: uprightness in relationships with others, sometimes this word is used to express God’s own goodness as it relates to His gracious acts.

Humility: This is often viewed negatively in the ancient world (and I would argue in our world today), where it was understood in terms of weakness or cowardice. The call to humility in the New Testament is based on the supreme act of “humbling,” Christ’s taking on human form and going to death on the cross on our behalf (Phil. 2:3, 8). The Philippians text also provides a nice commentary on “humility,” as involving valuing “others above yourselves” and “not looking to your own interests but … to the interests of others”. It’s been said that humility is not thinking less of yourself, but just thinking about yourself less.

Meekness: The standard Greek lexicon for the New Testament nicely (if somewhat expansively) defines as “the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance.” The model is again Jesus, who claimed to be “gentle (praüs) and humble (tapeinos) in heart” (Matt. 11:29)

Patience: This is once more an attitude that both God the Father and Christ display toward sinful creatures (Romans 2:4 “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” ) and that we, as his people, should display toward one another. If kindness, refers to our basic approach to people, so patience refers to the kind of reaction we should display toward them.

Just as we chose our outfit we were going to wear today, so too, Paul is telling us that these are things we are intentionally putting on. They don’t just happen, but we intentionally, prayerfully, deliberately put these things on.

What this means is that when we are clothed as God’s chosen, holy, and beloved, we take this uniform and it enables us to bear with one another and when necessary, forgive one another. This can be hard, this might even be something we do not want to do… but Paul reminds the church (and us), forgiveness is what Jesus has extended to us and He would have us to do that with one another.

When passionate believers come together, each at different points in their sanctification journey, conflict is natural. Our different approaches and convictions can lead to hurt feelings and personal offense. But Paul's instruction to the Colossians provides our dress code for these moments - we're called to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Just as Christ bore with us in our sin, we're to bear with one another in our growing. These aren't just virtues to admire, but practical garments to wear daily as we navigate the messy reality of community life. When we're clothed in these Christ-like attributes, we're equipped to extend the same grace we've received. These virtues foster community identity and cohesion.

In leading and serving a local church, it can be a very challenging task. Many personalities coming from various backgrounds, with expectations that are sometimes expressed and sometimes assumed, and sometimes we encounter situations in the church that no one could have predicted and decisions have to be made. Sometimes you make right decisions and then sometimes you can’t seem to win… some people are going to be upset no matter what. I’ve been on the receiving end on a lot of those frustrations.

Some I’ve had to apologize for because I was wrong, and others I just had to listen to and let them know that they have been heard. Even the hardest conversations can be had and be beneficial and life giving when each person at the table in the discussion can put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. The putting on of these virtues brings people together from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds, and believers are able to put aside the prejudices that might arise from those backgrounds in order to facilitate the unity of the body.

Paul takes the portion and wraps it up saying what brings this outfit altogether is love. When love is dawned it brings everything here in perfect harmony. This complete’s our fit.

Why is this important to be dressed this way?

It is because we are one body (v15).

The body in order to work has to be in harmony. If you have ever participated in sports, you know the need for your body to perform in harmony for it to function.

What we are to put on is joined with verse 15 by the word “and”… the “peace of Christ rule in your hearts”.

This word “rule” is like a judge or an umpire that is making a decision on a necessary situation. Was he safe, was he out. Is he guilty or is he innocent. Was she in bounds or was she out of bounds. Without sacrificing principle, believers should relate to one another in a way that facilitates and demonstrates the peace that Christ has won for us. Peace should lead us in our interactions with one another, ruling in the situations and circumstances we find ourselves in with one another… because again, we are one body. We need each other.

It really is fascinating as we read our Bible… there are exhortations for us that are deeply personal and inescapably individual in its focus: each of us, on our own, is “called” by God and responds in faith on our own. Yet, at the same time, the gospel is inescapably corporate: we are called along with other people, with whom we make up “one body.” Moo, D. J. (2008). The letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (p. 284). William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

Paul then drops in this very concise sentence at the end of vs.15, “And be thankful”. Believers who are full of gratitude to God for his gracious calling (v. 15a) will find it easier to extend to fellow believers the grace of love and forgiveness and to put aside petty issues that might inhibit the expression of peace in the community Moo, D. J. (2008). The letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (p. 285). William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

"When we learn to give thanks, we are learning to concentrate not on the bad things, but on the good things in our lives. If we concentrate on giving thanks for the many blessings we have received and worry less about what we feel entitled to but haven't gotten, there will be less friction in our lives." - Martin Luther

"Gratitude changes the way we see others. A thankful heart cannot harbor pride. As we recognize how much we owe to the goodness of the Lord, we begin to see every blessing, every breath, as grace. This humbles us and helps us see others not as competitors or enemies, but as fellow recipients of divine mercy." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

While there has been good and necessary ink spilled on verse 16; Colossians 3:16 “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” … I will say this, Paul is urging the community as a whole to put the message about Christ at the center of its corporate experience. Specifically, Paul urges them to let it dwell richly among them. The message about Christ should take up permanent residence among the Colossians (NJB: “find a home with you”); it should be constantly at the center of the community’s activities and worship. “Richly” suggests that this constant reference to the word of Christ should not be superficial or passing but that it should be a deep and penetrating contemplation that enables the message to have transforming power in the life of the community.

Keyport Bible, this is you. This has been you for many, many years. Well done. This is not a portion of scripture where we might feel the weight of rebuke or correction, but this is true of you and has been for many generations. Be encouraged, continue the legacy, continue the faithfulness in the word of Christ, the message of Christ, the ethos of Christ being at the center of what you do. Not only corporately, but also individually as you purpose together to be about what God has called you to.

Paul's exhortation in Colossians presents a comprehensive vision of Christian life where every aspect - "word or deed" - falls under Christ's lordship. This universal scope transforms all of life into an act of worship, extending beyond formal religious gatherings to encompass every human activity. The text carries profound Christological significance in its application of the "name of the LORD" (traditionally referring to Yahweh) to Jesus Christ. Living "in the name of the Lord Jesus" involves more than merely invoking His name; it requires acting in harmony with His character, submitting to His authority, and conforming to His nature.

Thanksgiving emerges as a crucial element in this framework, serving both as a component of Christian obedience and as its motivating force. Paul emphasizes that gratitude must transcend internal attitude to find verbal expression, with Christ mediating our thanksgiving to the Father. This mediatorial role positions Christ as the bridge between humanity and God, a theme consistent throughout Colossians. The text's placement within broader discussions of community life underscores its corporate dimension - the community collectively becomes the "new self" in Christ, with both individual and corporate life reflecting His character. This comprehensive vision of Christian existence, anchored in thanksgiving and expressed through Christ-like character, provides the framework for authentic Christian community.

To which spurs on the world outside, seeing the significant difference inherently within, only to ask for the reason for the hope that is pouring out of you.

Conclusion

Beloved, as you continue forward together, remember that the outfit Christ has given you - compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience - isn't just Sunday attire. It's your daily uniform for building authentic community, especially in seasons of transition and growth. When we clothe ourselves in these virtues, bound together by love and ruled by Christ's peace, we become living testimonies of His transforming grace. Your commitment to keeping the message of Christ at the center, both individually and corporately, creates a foundation that cannot be shaken. As you bear with one another, forgive one another, and give thanks together, you aren't just preserving unity - you're displaying the very character of Christ to a watching world. Continue to let thanksgiving be your strength, knowing that every challenge becomes an opportunity for His grace to be displayed through your love for one another. The same Lord who has faithfully led this congregation through generations continues to work in and through you today, weaving your story into His greater purpose of bringing glory to His name.

Let us pray.